Being Persistent Takes Persistence

Here’s another day of coming out from under my “mighty woman of God” rock and I'm going to boast about some of my weaknesses. I’m following St. Paul’s lead with his powerful words of advice. He said: “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Sometimes I don’t want to answer my phone, so I let the call go to my voice mail. And, sometimes, I don’t feel like doing the unselfish thing. I want to just sit in my cozy chair and take a power nap, or watch TV. I don’t want to do one more thing today. I don’t want to respond to someone asking for advice. But just because I don’t feel like it, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do it.

This might really shock you. Sometimes I don’t feel like praying or reading my Bible or going to my Bible Study group. But I do it. I’ve found that if the only time I pray or read my Bible is when I feel like it, Satan makes sure I never feel like it. I’ve been in this “mature” relationship with God long enough that I know I must live my life by my commitments, not by my feelings.

The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people are willing to do what unsuccessful people don’t feel like doing. They develop habits. They stay committed. They don’t get to the Olympics because they feel like it. They get to the Olympics by hours and hours of training that they didn’t feel like doing. In the same way, we don’t become godly men or women by simply doing what we feel like doing. Godly men and women choose to develop the habits that produce godliness in their lives. It’s not any easier than working out or rehearsing or anything else that may be good for us but we don’t feel like doing.

Probably the greatest example in the Bible of persistence is Moses. For 40 years, he led whining, complaining, immature people around the desert while they questioned his leadership the entire time. Yet he never gave up. Hebrews 11:27 says, “It was faith that made Moses leave Egypt without being afraid of the king’s anger. As though he saw the invisible God, he refused to turn back..” Moses saw the invisible God. He kept his eyes on God. So, rather than retreating – we carry on and we keep our eyes on God, too! We continue our persistence to win the battle by being God’s devoted, persistent followers and by doing the uncomfortable. Hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant,” will make it worth it all.

Faith-Filled Words = Blessings

At my Life Group last night, we talked about how important it is to speak and believe what we are wanting in our lives. The fact is, our words have incredible power! When we speak faith-filled words, positive things just naturally come our way. But, many people just focus on negative things in life, and then they speak negative words that position them for more negativity coming their way.

But when we begin to think and speak the blessings and favor of Almighty God, we’re like a magnet that draws God’s favor in our lives. It’s time for us to declare, and for us to teach our children to declare, “I am strong. I am loved. I am smart. I am happy. I am empowered, and a successful child of the Most High God. I’ve been handpicked by the Creator of the universe to be here. I have great things in my future!” And when we exude that positive attitude through our thoughts and actions, the winds of blessings begin to shift in our direction -- and not only are our lives changed forever, but that positive influence will change the lives of those in our world.

Following the Lead of Successful Businesses and People

When my family comes to Tulsa, eating at Chick-fil-A is a MUST! It went quickly, but we waited in a long line to place our order at the drive thru window!. Always a crowd there, I said, “This is really a phenomenon!” Then I remembered just why this company is so successful and has grown to be the second largest chicken chain in America. Some would say it's the food. Others point to its clever advertising. (Let's face it, there is something appealing about seeing a cow beg you to "Eat Mor Chikin.") But, Founder Truett Cathy has a different view. He declares that the secret of his success is the company's high quality of people and their attention to customer service.

How do they attract such people? Truett says it all goes back to Chick-fil-A being closed on Sundays. Truett believes everyone should have a day off a week - for church, rest, or to enjoy family. Accordingly, Chick-fil-A has attracted outstanding teams - many industry experts will say its people are the best in the food industry.

And, ONE of the reasons their record-setting drive-thru is so fast, and accurate, is that the team taking orders is in their own private part of the restaurant. Their focus is all YOU and YOUR order, with no other distractions. It's part of their commitment to offer their customers the best experience possible!!

I was thinking about the standards of Chick-Fil-A, compared to our own standards of excellence, or the lack thereof. Do we brand ourselves with personality, wit and quality? Do we work hard, play hard and get adequate rest that we need? Do we honor God by setting aside a day, or time, for Him? Do we REALLY focus on the people in our lives – making them feel important, special and loved, or are we easily distracted with our cell phones or other matters that take away our attention from those who really matter most!

I think it’s time to follow the lead of successful people in business and in life – it just might make the difference we’ve been looking for to move up the ladder of personal and professional success in our own life!